100+ Head-Fier

I’d say my LX universals are like a 6.5. I can minimize it if I’m very deliberate when I insert them. If I pull my ear up and back, insert carefully, then slowly let go of my ear, I can eliminate it in most cases. Readjusting though or yawning can make it flex, as will less deliberate insertion.

100+ Head-Fier

Do you have any Driver Flex on your IEMs? If so on a scale from 0-10 how much do you have? (moving your mouth, inserting, removing...)

Click to expand...

LX: Pretty much every time I set or adjust it, both sides. I hear distinct 2 clicks for each W9 and then 1-2 second later softer clicks when diaphragm comes back. It does not sound cringe-worthy terrible. Xelento was worse. (Sony ier-z1r had none as well as other Sony iems).
So, don't know how to quantify it. Annoying on the scale of about 4 on LX. Basshead iem ASG2 has none. Anyone had ever sound affected by it?

100+ Head-Fier

My wife compared her fitear 335dw original cable 4.4mm termination side by side with her valky to the cayin N8 black brass, playing Madonna's hung up (has more drum playing).
Valky vocal more forward, bass (drum) more solid and holographic. Missing extended width than Zeus.
I compared my Zeus XRA (which is detail and smooth) with Valky. My initial impression is vocal and bass are balance to each other. Valky has more stand out bass and depth.
Recalling my impression on Lx when it was initially launched in HK, I did recall i didn't prefer Phantom. Yes, Valky's bass is less spongy than Lx but more punchy than my Zeus XRA in matter.
I want to run in more in the next few days, and will try the Valky with effect audio janus basso and crystal cable dream duet later on.
I am happy from my first impression. To be honest, I tried in the av show in hk 2 weeks ago with my Sony wm1a, Sony really needs to turn up a hell of a lot to drive the Valky.
From my memory, Wraith was much more easy to drive, but the treble was a little more high pitch than Valky
I am relief after putting it on my n8bb now.
Sorry for my amateur comments

1000+ Head-Fier

Joined:
Nov 4, 2004

Posts:
1,255

Likes: 549

No need to apologize—thanks for the impressions!

I do want to swing back to driver flex real quick—if you have sound tubes leading out from dynamic drivers (like the LX does), aren't you guaranteed to get some flex if you move the IEM more than a certain amount while maintaining a seal? Of course you wouldn't get it with foam, as mentioned, as the seal is only complete once the foam expands and fits the ears. But with silicone or customs, it's unlikely that you only achieve a seal at the final insertion depth, so you're going to get flex unless you purposefully (e.g.) pull your ear to prevent a seal from forming until you let go. This seems true to me regardless of venting, or at least any venting level that you might reasonably find in an IEM. Am I wrong somewhere?

100+ Head-Fier

I do want to swing back to driver flex real quick—if you have sound tubes leading out from dynamic drivers (like the LX does), aren't you guaranteed to get some flex if you move the IEM more than a certain amount while maintaining a seal? Of course you wouldn't get it with foam, as mentioned, as the seal is only complete once the foam expands and fits the ears. But with silicone or customs, it's unlikely that you only achieve a seal at the final insertion depth, so you're going to get flex unless you purposefully (e.g.) pull your ear to prevent a seal from forming until you let go. This seems true to me regardless of venting, or at least any venting level that you might reasonably find in an IEM. Am I wrong somewhere?

Click to expand...

If you are wrong, that would make at least two of us. I compared flex on the lx with IMR Zenith which sounds really loud, but with tuning nozzle that has hole in it - no flex. Also, I once took apart Sony with 16mm single DD and found that diaphragm niche has multiple tiny columns all around limiting excursion. That's why Sonny's have no flex sound ever!

100+ Head-Fier

Could you please share what was wrong with the sound? For me, all ortho-dynamics suffer from the same issue: lack of the low end impact due to the limited force that moves ultra light diaphragm. The treble is addictive though, that's why new 3-hybrids getting my attention!

100+ Head-Fier

Now that's something you don't hear every day..
The 007/717 was the best I've ever heard...

Click to expand...

I heard the 003/005/007 during a show around here. They were nice, but didn't blow my mind as I was expecting due to others opinion. Ugly as hell, uncomfortable and bad quality. Looks like toys. (Expensive ones)

Don't get me wrong. Just tastes. Not for me, I'm more a ZMF kinda guy, beautiful and enjoyable.

Could you please share what was wrong with the sound? For me, all ortho-dynamics suffer from the same issue: lack of the low end impact due to the limited force that moves ultra light diaphragm. The treble is addictive though, that's why new 3-hybrids getting my attention!

Click to expand...

On top of the above, the mid-highs are really good, specilly highs, but music are not highs alone. Low end was hidden somewhere away on a drawer. I'm with you and I heard a couple tribids and they are what is missing on the big ones. Like "I just want that highs" and the rest I can manage with BA and DD. Looking forward for the opportunity to try the Vlakies and Warth.